impregnable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'impregnable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is impossible to capture or penetrate, such as a fortification or defense. For example, you could say "The castle was defended by impregnable walls that no enemy could breach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In these places where schools are fenced in by an impregnable ring of 4x4s every day, the mobile telephone number of a willing maths tutor is the golden ticket.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the first major jolt that woke London from its slumber came on 2 September, when a YouGov/Times poll found that the no side's apparently impregnable lead had shrunk from 14 points to six in under a month.

The Guardian

And questions will undoubtedly be asked about whether airlines do enough to monitor the mental state of their most trusted employees.The wisdom of using impregnable locks on cockpit doors will also doubtless come under review.

The Economist

THE word "fascist" was whispered by some discomforted observers at last year's Labour Party conference: so triumphalist was the mood, so impregnable seemed the new prime minister, so confident his followers of smashing the Conservatives, snuffing out David Cameron and securing near-eternal power.

The Economist

Standard Wi-Fi encryption, called WPA2, used to secure a connection between a device and a router is still believed to be impregnable, but Mr McAfee's services would require client software on each device to run an additional layer of encryption.

The Economist

If they are on the board, or in some other relatively impregnable position, a British human-resources director will suggest that they "take gardening leave"—continue to draw a salary but stay away from the office.

The Economist

Miss Banerjee, who is impregnable in Calcutta but less so elsewhere in the state, has failed to unite the anti-Communist parties.In this section Substance or just style?

The Economist

Four years ago, at a similar point in the electoral cycle, Mr Brown's fiscal position was impregnable, with a surplus of £15 billion ($27 billion).

The Economist

As a result, the Philippines has become a net creditor to the rest of the world (see chart), not just a net supplier of labour.These impregnable external finances are one reason why Fitch, a ratings agency, awarded the Philippines its first ever investment-grade credit rating on March 28th.

The Economist

That will influence the outcome of the next general election, which is likely to happen in 2005.The Labour Party occupied impregnable fiscal ground in the 2001 election.

The Economist

Now Mr Rubio says that voters cannot tolerate even a "conversation" about legalisation until they believe the border is impregnable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impregnable" to describe defenses or positions that are so strong they are virtually impossible to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "impregnable" to describe opinions or beliefs that are merely strongly held. Reserve it for situations where there is a real, insurmountable barrier.

Linguistic Context

The word "impregnable" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their inability to be penetrated or overcome. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage, showcasing its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "impregnable" is a powerful adjective used to describe something that is so strong that it cannot be broken into or overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence in writing, particularly in the context of News & Media. It carries a sense of absolute security and invulnerability. While synonyms like "unassailable" and "invulnerable" exist, "impregnable" provides a specific image of a barrier that is virtually impossible to breach. Use it judiciously to convey a sense of ultimate defense, while avoiding overuse in purely abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impregnable fortress

The word "fortress" adds an element of physical protection and strategic importance that extends the use of "impregnable".

impenetrable

Similar to "impregnable", but focuses more on the inability to be pierced or entered.

unassailable

This term suggests a position that cannot be attacked or challenged, emphasizing invulnerability.

invulnerable

This word emphasizes the inability to be harmed or damaged, highlighting a lack of vulnerability.

impassable

This term indicates that something cannot be passed or crossed, focusing on the barrier aspect.

immune to attack

This phrase conveys the meaning of being exempt or resistant to any kind of attack, both physically and metaphorically.

unbreakable

This suggests a strength that cannot be broken or destroyed, emphasizing resilience.

fortified

Suggests that something has been strengthened with defensive works to protect against attack.

secure

This term denotes a state of being protected from danger or threat, highlighting safety.

well-defended

Describes something with strong defenses in place, focusing on the act of protecting.

FAQs

How can I use "impregnable" in a sentence?

You can use "impregnable" to describe something that is impossible to capture or penetrate, such as "The fortress was surrounded by "impregnable walls"".

What are some synonyms for "impregnable"?

Some synonyms for "impregnable" include "unassailable", "invulnerable", and "impenetrable".

When is it appropriate to use "impregnable" instead of "strong"?

"Impregnable" suggests an absolute, insurmountable strength, while "strong" is a more general term. Use "impregnable" when you want to emphasize that something is virtually impossible to overcome.

Is it correct to use "impregnable" to describe a person's character?

While less common, "impregnable" can be used metaphorically to describe a person's character, suggesting they are unwavering or resistant to influence. However, it's more frequently used for physical defenses or systems.